Events
Rally for a Green Planet: Energy for Sustainable Systems
Speakers:
- Moderator: Chris Vassallo, Board Member of Malta Sovereign Wealth Fund, and Co-Founder of Project Freedom
- George Hampton, Senior Advisor to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All
- Jeff Jones, Communications and Partnerships Specialist, Alliance for Clean Energy NY
- Lindsay Meiman, Regional Communications Specialist, 350.org @lindsaymeim14 @350
- Kenneth Reece, Chairman and CEO, Solareum
Description:
Format: Panel with Q&A This panel will focus on how we can further shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and other power development for a cleaner earth and greener present and future. The goal of attaining universal access to reliable, affordable, clean, and modern energy requires greater efforts from energy suppliers, governments, and communities. Delegates will gain knowledge on the role of various stakeholders and also the challenges that we face in transitioning from fossil fuel use, like oil, gas, and coal to renewable energy, like solar, wind, and geothermal. Other considerations will include what can be done now and in the next 10 years in order to realize the Sustainable Development Agenda and in particular combat the inequality and the lack of accessibility of green energy. Governments, international organizations, NGOs, academia, and youth are key players in educating and advocating for a green planet as all actors rally to advance green energy and lifestyles in their local communities and beyond.
Global Impact Challenge Finals
Description:
The Global Impact Challenge fosters the launch and growth of brand new social venture projects. Applicants have gone through a rigorous selection process, with eight finalists ultimately being chosen to enter the finals, which will take place during the Youth Assembly. Delegates are invited to observe the finals, as each group presents a pitch for their project. Each winning group will receive seed funding, and continued mentorship and support from the FAF team and other experts.
Winners to be announced
CPR Training with Certificate (GDL Participants Only – Pre-Sign Up Required)
Description:
The majority (approximately 85%) of cardiac arrests happen either at home, in public places or at work so chances are high that if you do witness a cardiac arrest, it will be with someone you care about. Recognizing a cardiac arrest, calling for help and performing high-quality CPR is critical and can save someone’s life. The “Hero-in-30” CPR AED course will teach you the skills you need to feel confident to respond in an emergency. You will learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and techniques for clearing airways when someone is choking.
During the training course, participants learn to recognize signs of complete obstruction of the airways and of cardiac arrest. They also learn the following:
- The Heimlich Maneuver (a technique for clearing airways)
- Hands-only CPR
- The use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
Building your Career to Make a Difference
Speaker:
- Jodi Caplan, Director of Executive MPA & Alumni Career Services, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs @ColumbiaSIPA
Represent! Mobilizing Youth for Politics and Leadership
Speakers:
- Moderator: Xan Northcott, Project Coordinator, Generation Global, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change @XanNorthcott
- Lincoln Mitchell, Adjunct Associate Professor of Political Science, Columbia University
- Paddy Torsney, Head of the New York Office, Permanent Observer to the United Nations in NYC, Inter-Parliamentary Union @IPUparliament
- Mandeep Tiwana, Chief Programmes Officer, CIVICUS @CIVICUSalliance
- Pablo Angulo, Peace and Security Officer, World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) @angulotroconis @WFUNA
Description:
Format: Speakers & Guided Roundtable Discussion (Deconstructed Panel)
This discussion will explore the latest progress and concrete pathways for raising youth participation in politics and advocacy. Speakers and participants will consider how young advocates can make an impact through political leadership, and also how intergenerational solidarity can contribute to making a difference. The session will consider ways to transform social and cultural norms, and economic and political systems to encourage and better enable youth participation. Discussions will provide insights to expedite meaningful inclusion of youth in decision-making at different governance and leadership levels. Topics to be covered include how young advocates can get involved with national politics, civil society, and international organizations to engage in politics or increase youth leadership in politics on a local or global scale.
Launch: Global Action and Impact Network
Description:
The Global Action and Impact Network is an exciting initiative of FA where Delegates are able to continue their engagement post-Youth Assembly to work on taking action on real-world issues and making a meaningful impact. Impact Coordinators lead GAIN hubs across six regions and serve as a catalyst for extraordinary youth leadership in making a difference. This session will be an opportunity for those interested to learn about the program, whether as an Impact Coordinator or simply as a delegate wishing to remain engaged.
What is GAIN? The Global Action and Impact Network or GAIN is an interconnected network of regional hubs comprised of leaders and changemakers who take concrete action to deliver meaningful impact in their local communities. The regional hub, also known as the GAIN hub, aims to build a movement of active youth and serve as a center of activity in every region across the globe, which will be led by Impact Coordinators. The hubs can operate within available physical or digital workspaces to connect and conduct their activities, which may include co-working spaces, community/youth centers, libraries, schools, colleges, universities, among others.
Fighting Gender Inequalities for an Equitable World
Speakers:
- Moderator: Dr. Shruti Kapoor, Founder and CEO, Sayfty @SayftyCom @kapoors_s
- Rosa María de la Garza Ramírez, Activist
- Maggie Liu, Program and Impact Manager, Girl Up @GirlUp
- Donya Nasser, Gender Equality Advocate, Youth Strategist, and Social Entrepreneur @DonyaNasser
- Edward Wageni, HeForShe Program Manager, UN Women @wagenie @HeForShe
Description:
Format: Fireside Chat / Moderated Talk with Q&A
This session will analyze progress and pathways toward real gender equality. The discussion will consider how young gender equality advocates can make an impact in this field, and also how men and boys can contribute and make a difference. With the speakers, delegates will consider the possible wider social and economic benefits of gender equality, such as predictions that advancing gender equality has the potential to add $28 trillion to the global economy. Ultimately, this talk will explore ways to overcome harmful social and cultural norms, expand upon economic and political systems that cripple gender equality, and how to expedite progress, accountability, and change for a more gender-equal world.
Youth Speaking Truth to Power: Taking Responsibility for the Climate Crisis
Speakers:
- Melissa Griffiths Parrot, Climate Leader and Mentor, The Climate Reality Project @ClimateReality
- Harrison Bench, Youth Activist, Council Member, Islip Town Environmental Council
- Keziah Gerosano, Chapter Chair, The Climate Reality Project
Description:
Format: Workshop
This presentation will focus on three main areas. The participants will be asked to write down what their action-oriented goal that will help fight the climate crisis and we will continue to work with and mentor them throughout their process.
- The climate crisis and the solutions: We will discuss the youth movement as a whole and dive into a PowerPoint presentation discussing climate science, the effects of climate change and the solutions that are available.
- We will then segue into specific examples of youth activism. We will provide easy suggestions of climate activism the participants can use the moment they leave the presentation. This will include access to a PowerPoint to provide their family, schools, community and elected officials. Also, other ideas that will fit each personality, comfort zone, and global location. We will discuss the skills needed, and how they can make a difference to fight the climate crisis.
- Youth speaker. Harrison Bench will present on his own experiences as a youth climate activist. His story, his challenges, and his success. He will discuss great tools that will help with successful measures.
Investing in Development: A People-Centered Approach
Speakers:
- Moderator: Dan Thomas, Chief Communications Officer, UN Global Compact @globalcompact
- Gülden Turkoz-Cosslett, Deputy Assistant Administrator and Deputy Director, Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy (BERA), UNDP
- Bobby Irven, Senior Communications Associate, BRAC USA @BRACworld
- Jordan Raupp, Asia Business Development Manager, Chemonics International @Chemonics
- Josh Williams, Founder, Joshua’s Heart Foundation, Ashoka Changemaker @Ashoka
Description:
Format: Panel with Q&A
This panel will focus on the facets to achieving human development, especially in poverty alleviation, across various avenues. People-centered development entails comprehensive and cross-cutting policies and investments in essential goods and services to meet basic needs and improve quality of life – from health to education, to nourishment, and more. In tackling poverty and prioritizing human development, financing must come from the public sector as well as the private sector. Delegates will examine issues impeding advancements in poverty eradication and consider ways to overcome them from the perspective of a variety of key development and aid sector stakeholders including governments, aid agencies, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, and the private sector while illuminating pathways for youth to support development and investment in development in their own local communities.
Sustaining Peace through Youth Engagement
Speakers:
- Moderator: Ali Mustafa, United Nations Civil Society Youth Task Force and Youth Programs and Communications Consultant, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation @smalimustafa
- Michael Collins, Executive Director of Americas, Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) @economicspeace
- Paul Bisca, Conflict and Security Consultant, World Bank @WorldBank
- Jimena Leiva Roesch, Senior Fellow, International Peace Institute (IPI) @ipinst
Description:
Format: Panel with Q&A
This panel will discuss how youth are affected by conflict, as well as the various ways in which youth can engage in peace efforts, support non-violent movements, and help to sustain peace. Delegates will be introduced to principles of key international development dimensions pertaining to peaceful conflict resolution, the nexus between peace and development, and maintenance of peace while broadening the perspective on interconnected global issues as well as different cultures and contexts through learning from speakers and peers of different backgrounds. The importance of the role of youth as stakeholders in order to achieve long-term peace and stability will be a focal point to the conversation, as speakers evaluate how youth can push for a better world without falling into violence and conflict. Delegates will come away with ideas, plans, and inspiration to drive action for peace and preservation of peace through insightful leadership.